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Amanjunkies. Hotel Addict. Traveller. Entrepreneur. Photographer. Architect.








DISCLAIMER:
All pictures in this site is copyrighted materials. No reproduction in any format is allowed without prior consent. These pictures are privately taken on privately-funded trips as a private record of interesting urban scene and critical hotel reviews. The author has no intention of endorsing any commercial value to all hotel-related shots.


ABOUT THE DIARY OF A HOTEL ADDICT:
The Diary of a Hotel Addict is a personal site created to immortalize the experience of a self-proclaimed 'Hotel Addict' in the search of the finest (contemporary) hotels in Asia.

Only selected hotels worth mentioning would be featured on this site. Judgement is no-doubt subjective, but is based accurately on improptu and incognito stays, henceforth audiences are presented with first-hand reviews and information of a typical stay.

Critical comments are based on 20 years of travel and extensive stays at some of the finest hotels in the region (to date: 40 cities worldwide, more than 100 luxury hotels); and 10 years of experience in the design and architecture field; and a life-time passion for hospitality design.

Future plans for The Diary of a Hotel Addict is to find a permanent home (website) to showcase the finest hotels in Asia for travellers who are planning to visit this extraordinarily beautiful part of the world.


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UP CLOSE & PERSONAL ABOUT ANYTHING TRAVEL & HOTEL WITH THE HOTEL ADDICT:

Your favourite city?
In Asia, it used to be Hong Kong and Tokyo, but recent trip to Beijing has really rekindled old sparks. In Europe, definately Paris. I love anything French, its joie de vivre, its sophistication, its language and its passion for the food, art and culture. Dubai also ranks pretty high.

2011: Nothing has changed for Hong Kong, Tokyo and Beijing; but I have a profound emotion for Taipei now.


Your favourite airport?
It used to be Changi, then HKIA, then KLIA, then back to Changi T3. But having landed on the massive new airport in Beijing recently Post-Olympic, it soon became so crystal clear. In terms of design, Beijing is highly impressive. But for efficiency and facilities, it is quite hard to beat Changi and HKIA.

2011: Changi Airport, Singapore


Favourite airlines?
Undoubtedly Singapore Airlines. A string of budget airlines like Air Asia grew on me for short-haul this year. I’m not too picky about airlines, as long as they are safe and punctual, I can bear 2 hours being sandwiched and suffocated. But I’m picky for hotels.

2011: Singapore Airlines. No comparison.


The best city for tourists?
I would have to say Beijing. It has everything for everyone on every budget. Even before the Olympics, Beijing has so many to offer: its magnificent palaces, museums, temples, imperial parklands, the Great Wall, the tombs, etc. But thanks to the Olympics, Beijing has some of the most sophisticated modern buildings in the world. Browse my flickr page and you see why. Bangkok is quite an ideal city for tourists too, especially for those looking for fun and nightlife.

2011: Beijing and Bangkok still top my chart but I think Singapore has proven to be a solid choice too.


The best shopping mall?
IFC Mall in Hong Kong is excellent, and so is Siam Paragon in Bangkok. But nothing comes close to the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Fancy skiing during the hot summer, anyone? An indoor ski slope is ready here.

2011: The Dubai Mall. Hands down. No comparison. It's probably bigger than planet Pluto and has everything you ever wanted. It's a foodie's paradise too.


Now more about hotels, your favourite hotel?
Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong has been my perennial winner since 2006. But this year’s (2008) travel surprised me the most. First, staying at the Peninsula Tokyo was quite impressive; but the biggest shock has to be finding a second #1 (short-lived, only lasts for 2 months) favourite hotel in Singapore!!.. The St. Regis Singapore is a truly phenomenal hotel, both in terms of decor/design and service. Several weeks later, I was even more shock to find out about how high the standard has been raised in China. Staying at both Park Hyatt hotel in Beijing and Shanghai has been so overwhelming. Park Hyatt Shanghai is my current favourite. The setting, the view, the quality, the design, the attention to detail are all simply breathtaking. Of course, Landmark Mandarin Oriental is still my #1 too. It’s a tie!

2011: Six consecutive years and the Landmark Mandarin Oriental is still my #1, although the Armani Hotel Dubai is a close second.


Your favourite resorts?
I consider myself to be an urban dweller and am fascinated by concrete jungles. Only recently that a visit to the Island of gods (Bali) that has slightly changed my impressions on island resorts; which meant that I have only stayed at a few resorts. My top resort would have to be the Park Hyatt Dubai. Dubai is such a phenomenal city; and Park Hyatt shines like a rare jewel. Another great resort that made an impression on me is the St. Regis Bali.

2011: I have a tremendous experience staying at some of the world's finest resorts these past two years, from a trio of Amanresorts (Amankila, Amanjiwo and Aman Summer Palace) to Alila Villas Uluwatu, Four Seasons Tented Camp at Golden Triangle, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi and a couple of amazing W Retreats in Koh Samui and Bali. My personal favourite? Amanjiwo and Four Seasons Tented Camp.


So which has the best service?
Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. Very polish, discreet, unobtrusive, friendly, accommodating, professional and perfection. Enough said.

2011: Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong


The best view from a hotel room?
Forget about InterContinental Hong Kong’s view. It’s such a cliche and you can enjoy it for free from Avenue of the Star. In HK, Grand Hyatt has the best as it captures both Hong Kong and Kowloon skyline, plus endless waterview.

For the best, Park Hyatt Shanghai has the most magnificent view across Pudong and the Bund, with postcard view of Jin Mao’s crowning roof. And Shangri-La Sydney; Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur also have unrivalled views.
You can see my list of best hotel view here

2011: Park Hyatt Shanghai, Park Hyatt Beijing, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong and Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore


The best hotel food?
I can't say much as I do not always eat inside hotels; but a few standout: Amber and MO Bar at the Landmark MO Hong Kong are both phenomenal in decor and food.
The best food I must say was breakfast at the St. Regis Bali. Great selection on the buffet spread; but the unlimited a la carte menu are phenomenal... Egg with foie gras? or Lobster, anyone?.. Truly unbelivable!.

2011: No other hotel could rival the spectacular feast offered at the St. Regis Resort in Bali. In the past two years, I have been savouring amazing dishes prepared by the kitchens of the most amazing chefs, including Joel Robuchon, Jean Georges Vongerichten, Pierre Gagnaire, Vincent Thierry, Gordon Ramsay, Daniel Boulud, Nobu Matsuhisa, Gray Kunz, Henrik Yde-Andersen, Ignatius Chan, Alvin Leung, Justin Quek, Michael Han and Ebbe Volmer. But my current #1 is the two Michelin Starred Amber at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong by Richard Ekkebus.


Hotel room with the most wow-factor?
Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s L600 Premier Room (Corner Spa Room). The design is revolutionary and ground breaking.

2011: L900 Landmark Suite at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and the Signature Suite at the Armani Hotel Dubai.


The most well-equipped?
The Peninsula Tokyo. Fax, LCD TV, electronic curtain, TV in the bath, and coffee machine are standard everywhere now, including here. But a nail dryer for the ladies?

2011: Armani Hotel Dubai. All amenities here has Armani stamp on it. Runner up is the Upper House in Hong Kong


The most attention to detail?
Park Hyatt Shanghai. Every piece of the furniture is custom made and well-lit, as if they are an individual piece of priceless artwork. Even the wardrobe could be mistaken for a display unit at the Harvey Nicholls!.

2011: The 235m2 Signature Suite at the Armani Hotel Dubai; and the 115m2 Upper Suite at the Upper House in Hong Kong


The best bed?
Enough said about Westin’s Heavenly bed. It’s quite overrated. For me, the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt Shanghai and W Hong Kong and Ritz Carlton Beijing Financial Street have the best beds. At the Landmark Mandarin Oriental , even the sheets have a soothing smell. Very luxurious.

2011: Park Hyatt Shanghai and W Hong Kong.


The best value?
Ritz Carlton Pacific Place, Jakarta. Gigantic room (minimal 73 square meter), huge bathroom with city view; TV by the bathtub, Bvlgari amenities, Club lounge access with 5 food presentation daily; butler service. You don’t have to leave the hotel at all. Did I mention about the 5 food presentation?. And I got to meet Diana Krall, chatted with her personally and taken pictures with her alone, while the rest of 4,500 screaming fans have to purchase tickets ranging from USD 50-250; and I've got the best seat in the house. I'ts not even backstage!!. All these for less than USD 200. Priceless.

2011: Four Seasons Tented Camp at Golden Triangle; Armani Hotel Dubai and the St. Regis Resort, Bali.


The best hotel loyalty program?
Personally, Hyatt Goldpassport is the BEST. Although choices are limited in comparison to the plethora on offer from Starwood’s SPG program, Hyatt Goldpassport would ensure you reach the points faster and make sure you get it. Tried and tested, and highly satisfactory. Thank you Hyatt.

2011: Goldpassport is still my #1. Period.


Say you could own a hotel, who is the designer(s) and other key people you will hire?
This is so easy: Peter Remedios to design the rooms; Tony Chi to design the public areas; Super Potato to the design the restaurants; Phillipe Starck to design the bars. Park Hyatt or Amanresorts to manage. But most importantly, Adrian Zecha has to approve them all and co-owned the hotel. He is a true visionary and legendary icon of the hospitality world.
On top of that, I will definately ask my mate Andy Mahon to take pictures for the hotel's marketing campaign; David Bank to take blue hour shot of the hotel's exterior, and I got to shoot the hotel's interior. That sounds like a winning formula, hey? ;0)

And lastly, the best hotel group?
Park Hyatt.

2011: Park Hyatt and Amanresorts


And your next most anticipated hotel visit?
Mandarin Oriental, Beijing. I hope in 2009, things will improve so I could get the chance to revisit Beijing.

2011: Aman New Delhi, Taj Lake Palace Udaipur and Oberoi Amarvilas in India; and the trio of Armani Hotel, Bvlgari and Park Hyatt in Milan.


ABOUT MYSELF

I was born and raised in Jakarta (Indonesia), before moving Transindian (across the Indian Ocean) to Sydney for my undergraduate study in Architecture; then graduated with Magna Cum Laude in 2004 from UNSW and was nominated for the 2004 RAIA Design Medal Award.

One of the reasons for my addiction to hotel stays (and travel to Asia) was due to a passion for photography; to embark on a journey of photographic encounter: to capture and be mesmerized by amazing urban places and contemporary design.

I started to get more interested in architectural/interior shots back in 2005 when I was overwhelmed by the sights from my room at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai


MY FAVOURITE HOTELS OF ALL TIME:
Click here to view my TOP TEN HOTELS.

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SOME OF MY PERSONAL FAVOURITES


Paradise on Earth


Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong: L900 Landmark Suite


Amankila


Amanjiwo


Aman Summer Palace


Armani Hotel Dubai, The Signature Suite


Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi: The Deluxe Residence


Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle: Deluxe Tent


Mandarin Oriental Macau


Marina Bay Sands, Singapore: The Infinity Pool


Beijing Skyline


Park Hyatt Shanghai


Spectacular Shanghai


Room with a View


Capella Singapore by Norman Foster


Capella Singapore


W Hong Kong


The Fast & The Furious: Taipei Drift


Spectacular Hong Kong


A postcard of Jakarta, Indonesia


Bali: Spectacular sunset at the Ritz-Carlton


Bali: Spectacular sunset at the Bvlgari Bali


Shanghai: The Two Towers


Jakarta: A modern metropolis


Bangkok: The City of Angels


Downtown Beijing: Landmark architecture


Beijing spectacular: Mandarin Oriental & CCTV Tower


Beijing: The Olympic Glory


Hong Kong: Billion dollar view


Tokyo: Marunouchi Skyline


Yokohama: Minato Mirai Skyline


Tokyo International Forum


Dubai: The Festival City


Dubai: The Burj Al Arab & The Madinat Jumeirah


Jakarta: CBD skyline


Jakarta: Hotel Indonesia Roundabout


Hong Kong: The IFC Tower & Central District skyline


Sydney: The Opera House & Harbour Bridge View


Shanghai: Pudong Skyline


Shanghai: The Grand Hyatt & Park Hyatt


Macau: The Wynn Macau & The Esplanade


Singapore: Marina Square & Suntec City skyline


Singapore: The Merlion


Bangkok: Chao Praya Riverside


Melbourne: The Eureka Tower & Bay view


Shanghai: Grand Hyatt Shanghai


Seoul: W Seoul Walkerhill


Macau: Crown Towers Macau at Taipa


Hong Kong: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong


Hong Kong: The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong


Shanghai: Grand Hyatt Shanghai





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